What was the purpose of the Wassenaar Arrangement established in 1995?

The correct answer is related to the purpose of the Wassenaar Arrangement, which aimed to promote transparency and responsibility in the transfer of conventional arms and dual-use goods and technologies, including encryption technologies. Established in 1995, the arrangement was primarily designed to facilitate cooperation among participating states in controlling the export of certain sensitive technologies that could be used for military applications, while still allowing for greater access to these technologies in a controlled manner.

Option C accurately reflects the focus of the Wassenaar Arrangement by emphasizing that it allows for the export of free symmetric encryption. This means that less sensitive encryption methods are readily available without the need for a license, thereby promoting security without compromising on control of more potent cryptographic technologies. While other types of encryption that could potentially be used for military or nefarious purposes would still require a license, this creates a balance between security and regulation.

In contrast, the incorrect options do not fully represent the nuanced goals of the Wassenaar Arrangement. It does not aim to ban all encryption technologies outright, as indicated in the first option. The arrangement also is not solely about the bilateral export of weapons, as illustrated in the second option, since it covers a broader range of dual-use goods and technologies. Additionally, while promoting unrestricted